2 Day Itinerary in Cinque Terre: What to Do, Eat & Where to Stay

Imagine five cliff-hugging villages so pretty they look like they were designed by watercolor artists. Welcome to Cinque Terre — the Italian Riviera’s UNESCO-listed gem. Whether you’re squeezing it in between Florence and Milan or dedicating a weekend to unplug, this 2 day itinerary Cinque Terre will help you hit the highlights without rushing through la dolce vita.

In this guide:

• Best time of year to go
• Where to stay (with a smart base option)
• 2-day Cinque Terre itinerary
• What to pack
• Local dishes to try
• Insider tips to make the most of your stay
• Free Downloadable PDF with boat schedule, food festival, plus the 2-day Itinerary PDF

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Is 2 Days in Cinque Terre enough?

Yes — if you plan smart. With just 2 days, focus on a blend of train rides, short hikes, beach time, and wine-sipping views. You won’t conquer every inch of trail or secret cove, but you’ll leave with salty hair, lemony breath, and a full heart.

Best Time to Visit Cinque Terre

• April to early June – Ideal weather, fewer crowds, flowers in bloom
• September to mid-October – Warm sea, grape harvest, and golden light
• July–August – Peak crowds and high prices (skip if you can)
• Winter – Quiet, moody, but many shops and restaurants are closed
  

🍋 Local tip: Visit during the Lemon Festival in Monterosso in May if you’re a citrus-lover. Or check out April in Cinque Terre.

🛌 Where to Stay in Cinque Terre

Monterosso al Mare is the largest and flattest village, making it a great base if you have luggage or want beach access. It has more hotels and restaurants, plus frequent trains.

Other stay options:

• Vernazza – Dreamy and postcard-perfect, but gets crowded
  
• Manarola – Quiet charm and romantic vibes
  
• La Spezia – Just outside Cinque Terre and more budget-friendly, ideal if you’re driving
  

🎒 Pro tip: If you’re visiting during peak season, book accommodations 3–6 months in advance.

 2 Day Cinque Terre Itinerary

📍Day 1 – Explore the Northern Villages: Monterosso, Vernazza & Corniglia

Morning: Monterosso al Mare

Start your day in Monterosso with an early beach stroll along Fegina Beach, the only sandy beach in Cinque Terre. Grab an espresso and focaccia at Pasticceria Laura.

• Snap a photo with the Giant statue (Il Gigante) at the end of the beach
  
• Visit Church of San Giovanni Battista in Old Town
  

🍝 Lunch suggestion: Try Ristorante Miky for seafood pasta with a glass of local white wine.

Afternoon: Hike to Vernazza

Take the Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro) to Vernazza (1.5–2 hrs). This scenic hike offers jaw-dropping coastal views and olive groves.

• Climb up to the Doria Castle for panoramic views
  
• Wander narrow alleys and browse artisan shops
  

🍦 Don’t skip a gelato break at Gelateria Vernazza.

Late Afternoon: Train to Corniglia

Corniglia is the only village not directly on the sea — perched high on a cliff and often quieter. From the station, climb the famous Lardarina steps (or take the shuttle).

• Chill with a glass of Sciacchetrà, Cinque Terre’s sweet wine
  
• Admire views from Santa Maria Belvedere terrace
  

🌅 Optional: End your day watching the sunset from Corniglia or head back to Monterosso by train.

📍Day 2 – Explore the Southern Villages: Manarola & Riomaggiore

Morning: Riomaggiore

Start with a hearty Italian breakfast (think cornetto and cappuccino) in Riomaggiore.

• Explore the Marina and snap the iconic vertical houses
  
• If open, stroll a portion of Via dell’Amore, the “Lover’s Lane” connecting Riomaggiore to Manarola
  

📸 Don’t miss the view from the upper viewpoint near the castle ruins.

Midday: Manarola

Take a quick train to Manarola, arguably the most romantic village.

• Visit Nessun Dorma (get there early to avoid the wait) — grab bruschetta or take their pesto-making class
  
• Walk the short panoramic path behind the church for epic views of the village cascading into the sea
  
• Swim off the rocks if it’s warm enough
  

🍷 Sip some Cinque Terre DOC white wine and people-watch before heading to your final dinner.

Evening: Optional Sunset Cruise or Wine Tasting

If your budget allows, book a sunset boat cruise or wine tasting with a local vineyard (many offer small group tastings in terraced vineyards above Manarola or Corniglia).

Download Free 2 Days in Cinque Terre Planner

🎒 What to Pack for Cinque Terre

• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking sandals (many cobblestones + trails)
  
• Reusable water bottle (fill up at free fountains)
  
• Daypack for snacks, sunscreen, and camera
  
• Light layers – evenings can be breezy, even in summer
  
• Swimsuit and fast-drying towel (even in early fall!)
  
• Power adapter for Italy (Type C, F, or L plugs)
  
• Scarf or shawl – for sun protection or visiting churches

• Portable charger – especially for photographers and content creators
  

Optional but fun:

• Small binoculars or phone zoom lens for spotting hillside vineyards and sailboats

🎉 Seasonal Events & Festivals in Cinque Terre (Beyond the Lemon Festival)

While the Lemon Festival in Monterosso (usually in May) is the best-known, each village has its own sagre (local food festivals), religious events, and traditions that offer a deeper cultural experience:

Spring & Summer Festivals

• Corpus Domini (June) – Celebrated in all villages with religious processions. Vernazza and Monterosso often have flower petal “carpets” decorating the streets.
  
• Manarola’s San Lorenzo Festival – August 10
  Features a torch-lit procession through the streets and up to the hilltop sanctuary.
• Feast of St. John the Baptist – June 24 (Monterosso & Riomaggiore)
  Expect fireworks, parades, and late-night festivities in honor of their patron saint.
  
• 
  

Fall Events

• Grape Harvest (Vendemmia) – September
  Vineyards come alive with activity. Some local producers (especially in Corniglia and Manarola) offer grape-picking tours or tastings of the first pressings.
  
• Sagra dell’Uva (Grape Festival) in Riomaggiore – September
  A food and wine celebration with music, dancing, and lots of local wine flowing.
  

Winter Traditions

• Christmas Lights & Nativity Scenes – December to early January
  Manarola lights up with one of the largest outdoor nativity scenes in the world, stretching across the vineyard-covered hillside. A must-see if visiting in December.
  
• La Befana – January 6
  A traditional Italian holiday where an old witch delivers gifts to children. Small parades and sweet treats pop up in cafes.
  

🎭 Tip: These events are often organized by local churches or the Comune (municipality), so check posters in the villages or ask at your hotel.

🚆 Getting Around Cinque Terre

• The Cinque Terre Express train connects all five villages year-round (except during rare strikes or floods)
  
• Buy a Cinque Terre Card for unlimited train rides and trail access (€18.20/day in 2025)
  
• Hiking trails may close after heavy rains — check updates at the train station or local website
  

🚗 Skip the car: Parking is a pain, and most villages are car-free.

🚶‍♀️Alternative Transportation Options in Cinque Terre

While the Cinque Terre Express train is the most efficient way to move between villages, there are a few other options depending on your travel style, time of year, and physical ability:

1. Ferries / Boat Tours

• Cinque Terre ferry service runs from late March to early November (weather permitting), connecting all villages except Corniglia (which has no port).
  
• Great for scenic coastal views and a peaceful way to hop between towns.
  
• More limited schedule than the train, and sometimes canceled due to choppy seas.
  

🛥 Ferry Route: La Spezia – Portovenere – Riomaggiore – Manarola – Vernazza – Monterosso – Levanto

Tickets: ~€35 for a day pass (2025 prices), or ~€8–12 per leg

2. Walking / Hiking Trails

If you’re up for some light adventure, the trails offer:

• Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro) – Most popular and connects all villages (except Corniglia to Manarola, which is currently closed; use train)
• High Trails (Sentiero Rosso) – More challenging, fewer crowds, and amazing views
  

⛔ Note: Some sections may be closed due to weather or maintenance. Always check parconazionale5terre.it for trail status.

3. E-Bike or Mountain Bike

Though the villages themselves are not bike-friendly (due to stairs and steep alleys), some bike tours operate from Levanto or La Spezia and take you through hillside routes above the towns.

You can:

• Book guided e-bike tours with wine tastings or sea-view picnics
• Explore lesser-visited sanctuaries and panoramic spots like Madonna di Montenero
  

🚴 Tip: This is a great option in shoulder season when it’s cooler.

4. Private Taxis or Shuttles

Rare and expensive — taxis are limited and often must be pre-booked from La Spezia or Levanto. Not practical for short village hops but possible if you’re:

• Traveling with luggage
• Going to/from remote accommodations
• Needing accessibility help
  

❤️ Final Tips for a Perfect 2 Day Itinerary in Cinque Terre

• Wake early — especially in popular towns like Vernazza and Manarola
  
• Book dinner reservations during peak season
  
• Bring cash for small cafes, bakeries, and train station toilets (€1)
  
• Support local: Buy pesto, limoncino, and ceramic souvenirs from family-run shops
  

🧭 Bonus: Should You Extend Your Stay?

If you can squeeze in a third day, use it to:

• Hike the longer trails between Corniglia and Riomaggiore
  
• Do a boat trip to Portovenere
  
• Spend a day swimming and sunbathing in Monterosso